It’s a merry Christmas, barrio style.
This year, stockings won’t be hung by the chimney with care, but will be gifted to about 2,000 kids at the 23rd Milagro En El Barrio from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 20, at St. John’s Church, 602 W. Ajo Way.
“We are bringing back the old-school red nylon mesh stockings stuffed with apples, oranges, nuts and a customized Milagro En El Barrio coloring book," said Steve Nuñez, founder of the event. "This has been my dream for a long time. Those stockings were so important when I was a kid. Sometimes it was the only thing I got for Christmas."
Formerly Miracle En El Barrio and rebranded this year as Milagro En El Barrio, the nonprofit has given toys to more than 44,000 Tucson children in need since its inception.
With the help of local businesses, sponsors and friends — many of whom he has known since high school or before — Nuñez is gratified to add the stocking to the toys children receive at the event. Milagro also features food courtesy of Chick-fil-A El Con, Peter Piper Pizza and eegee’s; and performances by Mariachi Las Aguilitas De Davis, Mariachi Los Pumas De Roskruge, Mariachi Estrella Juvenil, and Mariachi Los Diablitos De Sunnyside High School.
As a child who grew up downtown, he said the stockings he received when he visited Santa at the “Santa House” near what is now the Monica, were filled with “pure goodness.”
“Those stockings were near and dear to my heart ... they had ribbon candy and back in the day, that candy seemed to last for three weeks in your mouth. It tasted like the holiday and gave us a feeling of inclusion that we could celebrate Christmas, too,” said Nuñez.
Milagro En El Barrio board member Patrick Lopez is spearheading the stocking project. He said
The entire board is honored to be part of the organization dedicated to ensuring that no child goes without a gift during the holidays.
“Growing up as South side kids, we all had memories of those stockings and we all looked forward to them," Lopez said. "They meant we were seen and heard and remembered. These stockings are connected to the same mission of bringing joy to every child and living out the spirt of loving thy neighbor and strengthening the community."
The stockings will be assembled by a force of volunteers, including students from Sunnyside High School and Desert View High School.
A key component is the first Milagro En El Barrio coloring book, described as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas with “a barrio and Latino take,” according to Deanna Lopez (no relation to Patrick), another Milagro board member who is assisting with the design and printing at West Press.
“When people heard Milagro was trying to do the first ever stocking with a coloring book, we had so many people reach out and want to be part of it. We are trying to show the community that it is not about money, it is about sharing knowledge and resources, and if you make that your driving force, the money comes later,” Deanna said.
She is also proud to be part of an organization that brings giving to the forefront.
“Lots of kids don’t know how to give. We are trying to show the community that there is strength in numbers and no donation is too small. Every little bit counts,” Deanna said.
Sponsors and volunteers for Milagro En El Barrio are welcome to “to look these kids in the eyes and peer into their hearts to see the impact we are having,” according to Nuñez.
For more information, call 520-991-2722.
